THEME
Assessing social workers need to meet the statutory requirements as well as those of adoption panels. Applicants want to know that their "story" is represented fairly and accurately, and at the same time there is a duty to safeguard vulnerable children. This two-day course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct and manage the adoption assessment process so that the best outcomes are achieved for all.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, participants will have
- Explored best practice in the completion of the Prospective Adopter's Report
- Clarity around the two stage assessment framework
- Improved understanding of the need for rigorous checks and references
- Explored ways of assessing applicants' motivation to adopt
- An introduction to a range of tools for use in assessments
- Skills to address issues of difference and diversity
- Explored the impact of personal values and assumptions on the assessment process
- Reflected how to apply learning to current practice
- Knowledge of the context of current Adoption Agencies Regulations, statutory adoption guidance and National Minimum Standards for adoption
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Social workers who assess prospective adopters
- Managers or panel advisors with responsibility for quality assuring these assessments
- Panel members with an interest in the adoption assessment process
For social workers, reflection on this session may contribute to your continuing professional development (CPD).
Total of 22 places available.
RESOURCES
This course will reference the CoramBAAF form, and you will be provided with a sample copy of the form as part of the pre-course resources. It will support your learning if you have access to the published Guidance that accompanies this form during the course. If you don’t already have it, the CoramBAAF licence holder within your organisation should be able to give you access to it. If you use another form, please bring a copy, so that you can use this when needed for relevant exercises and discussions during the day.
RECOMMENDED READING
Undertaking an adoption assessment in England
Author: Elaine Dibben (2020)
The guide is primarily based on Part 1 of the PAR which pulls together information about the applicant – individual profile; family and environmental factors; present circumstances and becoming adopters. It now includes the additional experience, skills and understanding needed by prospective adopters in their role as foster carers when offering a Fostering for Adoption or concurrent planning placement, and ideas for evidencing the relevant skills and experience of foster carers wishing to adopt a child in their care.
Each section of the guide presents a list of trigger questions that can facilitate further discussion and encourage exploration of different areas and suggestions as to how this can be analysed to assess an applicant’s suitability, or not, to adopt.
Author: Paul Adams (2019)
The assessment of prospective foster carers and adopters is amongst the most important aspects of family placement work. Undertaking checks and references is a key part of these assessments, and a core task for social workers. But which checks are mandatory, and which are advisable? Which checks are needed in each UK country? Which are likely to yield the most useful information?
This Good Practice Guide details the range of checks routinely undertaken in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, in both fostering and adoption.
This popular guide has been fully revised and updated to take into account all recent legislative and practice changes UK-wide. These include changes to take into account new GDPR and data protection legislation, particularly in terms of confidentiality with regard to references.
Case studies illustrate the issues to be considered, and the guide includes a range of sample forms and checklists to help collate and analyse information.
PRESENTER
Sandra Russell, Associate Trainer, CoramBAAF
TIME
Registration 9.45 am
Start 10.00 am*
Close 4.00 pm*
*Times subject to change
FEES
Full or associate CoramBAAF member - £335.00 + £67.00 VAT = £402.00
Individual CoramBAAF member - £258.00 + £51.60 VAT = £309.60
Non-member - £465.00 + £93.00 VAT = £558.00
CONTACT
Telephone 020 7520 0310
Email training@corambaaf.org.uk
If you have access and/or dietary requirements, please click the left-hand bar at the checkout to let us know. Alternatively, contact us by email.
MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT FOR OPEN COURSES
Log into your account before checkout to receive your membership discount. Don't have a login? Your organisation may already be in membership, if so set up your account quickly and easily here. Not a member of CoramBAAF? Read about the benefits of CoramBAAF membership for individuals and organisations.
Need help logging in? If you’re having trouble logging in, please see this page for help.
